Does Our Nose and Our Ears Really Continue to Grow as We Age?

Posted on June 9, 2016 by Michael Hinck

At some point in your life, someone has probably shared with you a little nugget of wisdom about how our nose and our ears never stop growing. You might then look around and see a bunch of senior citizens and notice that, in-fact, their facial appendages are slightly larger than their younger counterparts and believe this fact to be true…but is it?

The truth is that “Yes”, as we age, our nose and our ears do get bigger, but not because they are growing. The real reason is a common scientific force known as GRAVITY. You see, our nose and our ears are made of cartilage and while many people mistakenly believe that cartilage never stops growing, the fact is cartilage does stop growing. However, cartilage is made of collagen and other fibers that begin to break down as we age.

The result is drooping. So what appears to be growth is just gravity doing its job. Our noses and our earlobes sag and become larger. Adding to the misconception is what happens to other parts of our face. While our nose might sag, our cheeks and lips actually lose volume, making everything else look comparatively larger.

Unfortunately, aging – and gravity – are both unavoidable. Our only defense against this natural occurrence is finding the fountain of youth or moving to the moon.

All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.

Trypanophobia- A Fear of Needles

Posted on June 7, 2016 by Xavia Malcolm

Studies show that a remarkable 20 percent of the population has some degree of fear of needles or injections and 10 percent within that number suffer from what is known as Trypanophobia. This is an excessive or irrational fear of injections or needles which can be learned or inherited. Many with Trypanophobia avoid getting medical treatment that involves the use of needles, which can prove dangerous for those with chronic medical conditions such as diabetes.

The fear of needles can present or manifest in one of three ways:

1: A vasovagal reflex reaction-where a person may faint or go into convulsions during or after a needle procedure.

2: Classic phobia- which can result from traumatic events. Symptoms may involve feeling anxious, experiencing nausea or difficulty breathing when needles are present.

3: Hypersensitivity to the pain caused by a needle- the skin’s surface becomes extremely sensitive making procedures that involve needles uncomfortable.

There are a few things that can be done to minimize the symptoms of Trypanophobia. They are using topical anesthetics to numb the skin or avoiding the sight of needles by using covered caps. Diabetics can ask their doctor for products such as inhalable insulin or jet injectors. Lastly, individuals with a severe phobia can consider therapy. Methods such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy may help in overcoming this fear.

Is This Job Killing Me?

Posted on June 6, 2016 by Joann Ariola

Some workplace stress is normal, but excessive stress can interfere with productivity and impact your physical and emotional health. If you are feeling overwhelmed at work, you can lose confidence, and become irritable or withdrawn.

Health issues that can be caused by excessive stress are:

Heart disease
Asthma
Obesity
Diabetes
Headaches
Depression and anxiety
Gastrointestinal problems

How you manage your stress is one way of avoiding the negative health impacts of a stressful lifestyle. By realizing that not being able to control everything in your work environment does not mean you are powerless, you can find ways to manage your workplace stress without rethinking career ambitions.

Some quick, office stress relievers are:

Take a short walk
Drink water
Stretch
Make a plan or to-do list
Unplug from email and social media
Breathe
Act rather than react
Ask for help

One of the best ways of coping with stress is to identify what your stress triggers are. Once you have identified them, you can find ways to resolve them.

If using these steps to relieve your feelings of being stressed is not helping, you may want to consult a mental health professional at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Department of Mental Health and Psychiatry. Call 718-206-7160 for an appointment.

Is Your Mattress Contributing to Your Back Pain?

Posted on June 3, 2016 by Michael Hinck

There are many possible reasons someone might experience back pain. One potential contributing factor could be the mattress you sleep on.

Waking up with lower back pain can be an indicator that your mattress is to blame. It is recommended that you evaluate the condition of your mattress every five to seven years since this is when they begin to break-down. Nearly two-thirds of those who suffer with lower back pain report significant improvements after purchasing a new mattress.

Selecting a mattress can be tricky. It has long been believed that a firm mattress works best, but others believe that a medium to firm mattress is better. At the end of the day, what matters most is what feels best for you, so lie down and “test” a few mattresses in the store before making a decision.

Purchasing a mattress can be an expensive investment. For those who can’t afford to buy a new mattress, follow these tips can help:

• Use a plywood board between your mattress and box-spring or frame for added support
• Place a pillow under your knees if you sleep on your back or between your knees if you sleep on your side to take pressure off of your spine
• Wrap a rolled-up towel around your waist to help maintain a proper curve in your spine
• Never get out of bed too fast. Instead, roll on your side, bend your knees and push yourself up with your hands
• Even if you are experiencing back pain, don’t remain in bed too long. This can relieve stiffness and pain

While these tips can be helpful for some, they might not work for everyone. if you continue to experience back pain, or if your pain is worse at night, speak to your doctor immediately.

Prom Night – Trauma Prevention

Posted on June 1, 2016 by Andrew Rubin

Prom night is one of the most memorable evenings in a young adult’s life. A young woman or a young man will spend countless hours preparing for it; considering everything from who will I go with to what will I wear and where will we go will be a major focus leading up to the big night. All of this can be very exciting, but it can also lead to great stress and sometimes, some not so great decisions.
There are a few things everyone can do to make sure that the evening goes smoothly:
• Know the group of people you will be going with.
• Don’t drink anything from a previously opened container or from a glass that was left unattended
• Tell family members or a trusted adult who you are going to be with
• Make sure to check in during the evening with your friends
• Always wear a seatbelt when riding in a motor vehicle
• Don’t drink and drive – alcohol related accidents and fatalities spike during prom season.
Parents should be aware of their children’s plans for the night. They should have a discussion with their child about the dangers of alcohol, especially when consumed in excess, and of the hazards of taking drugs. Encourage your child to keep in contact during the night and to know that you will be available to pick them up in case of trouble. Groups of people often get together and hire a limousine to get the prom goers from place to place. This eliminates the risk of having a young driver getting behind the wheel that night.
The night of your prom will be something you remember for the rest of your life. Make smart decisions and it will be remembered for the right reasons.

Bistro Roasted Chicken

Posted on June 1, 2016 by Joann Ariola

Looking to cook a healthy and filling meal for two? Take a look at the recipe below and Bon Appetit!

Bistro Roasted Chicken

Ingredients

2 chicken leg quarters (about 1 1/2 pounds)
1 tablespoon chopped fresh or 1 teaspoon dried basil
1 tablespoon chopped fresh or 1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 tablespoon chopped fresh or 1 teaspoon dried rosemary, crushed
2 teaspoons olive oil
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
2 whole garlic heads

Preparation

Preheat oven to 375°.

Rinse chicken with cold water; pat dry. Trim excess fat. Loosen skin from thigh and leg by inserting fingers, gently pushing between skin and meat. Combine basil and next 5 ingredients (basil through pepper). Rub herb mixture under loosened skin. Place chicken on a broiler pan. Insert meat thermometer into meaty part of thigh, making sure not to touch bone.

Remove white papery skin from garlic heads (do not peel or separate the cloves). Wrap each head separately in foil; place on broiler pan with chicken. Bake at 375° for 45 minutes. Increase oven temperature to 450° (do not remove chicken from oven). Bake 30 minutes or until thermometer registers 180°. Cover chicken loosely with foil; let stand 10 minutes. Discard skin.

For this and other delicious healthy meals for two check out –

Mosquito Bites – More Than Just an Itch

Posted on June 1, 2016 by Joann Ariola

Summertime means most of us will spend more time outdoors, but this means we must share our space with mosquitoes. Of the 3,000 species of mosquitoes in the world, roughly 200 can be found in the USA.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), mosquitos have been labeled the most dangerous animal in the world since estimates hold mosquitos responsible for hundreds of millions of malaria cases each year, as well as transmitting West Nile virus, yellow fever and the more notable Zika virus.

We are told by health professionals and monitoring agencies that the Zika virus is primarily spread to people through the bite of an insect, the Aedes aegypti mosquito to be more specific. Additionally, there have been some cases where Zika has been spread through having sexual relations with an infected male. Men and women who have traveled to Zika hot spots should consider condom use during pregnancy if the man has been exposed.

The most common symptoms of the Zika virus disease are:

Fever
Rash
Joint pain
Conjunctivitis (pink eye)

The CDC goes on to state that the Zika virus is usually mild with symptoms that last from several days to one week, but with Zika being linked to birth defects in women infected during pregnancy, the CDC recommends the following measures to protect you against being bitten:

Repellents – When used as directed, insect repellents are the best way to protect yourself and family from getting mosquito bites. The higher percentages of active ingredients provide longer lasting protection.
Cover up – When weather permits, wear long-sleeved shirts and pants.
Keep mosquitoes outside – Use air conditioning or make sure that you repair and use window/door screens
Protect yourself when traveling – learn about the country-specific travel advice, health risks and how to stay safe.

Since specific areas where Zika is spreading, and most prevalent, are often difficult to determine and are likely to change over time, please visit the CDC Travelers’ Health Site for the most updated information at http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/page/zika-travel-information

To Hookah or Not to Hookah?

Posted on May 31, 2016 by Jamaica Hospital Medical Center

Article by Jennifer Ceide, AE-C, CHES, CTTS Jamaica Hospital Medical Center

For my birthday, I am definitely going to a hookah lounge!” was excitedly determined by my cousin several years ago. As a developing tobacco treatment specialist, I wanted to proclaim my objection by saying, “Do you know that one sixty minute hookah session can be equivalent to smoking 100 cigarettes?!” Luckily, we couldn’t find a lounge that was open. Besides hookah lounges, hookah is also offered at night clubs and restaurants; it’s almost impossible not to find an opportunity to smoke hookah. So why the sudden burst in popularity, especially among never-smoked-a-cigarette millennials who without hesitation detest cigarette smoking?

So, what’s a Hookah?

Hookah is a water pipe used to smoke tobacco. Tobacco is burned at the top of the pipe, the smoke is then passed through water and the vapor is inhaled.

It’s safer…right?

Wrong! Besides the delivery of the highly addictive drug nicotine, the smoke from hookah contains toxins that contribute to cancer and other diseases. The water through which the smoke passes gives the false impression of purification; this process has not been shown to decrease any toxins associated with smoking. The vapor contains carbon monoxide, metals, and cancer-causing chemicals.

According to the World Health Organization, a hookah session can last between 20 to 80 minutes, one session can be equal to smoking 100 cigarettes.

When we consider the added risk associated with sharing a mouthpiece with others, the possibility of contracting communicable diseases such as tuberculosis, herpes, influenza, or hepatitis becomes a noteworthy threat.

To hookah or not to hookah?

From what we know so far the risks linked to smoking hookah should deter and not encourage. Because the popularity of smoking hookah is a recent trend, long term effects of the activity continue to be determined; however, we have enough evidence to conclude that hookah is not the safe alternative to smoking cigarettes. Hookah smokers are at risk for developing the same cancers and diseases that are linked to cigarette smoking in addition to the added risk of developing communicable diseases.

Are Electronic Cigarettes Helpful or Harmful?

Posted on May 31, 2016 by Zakiya Hazel-Jemmott

The journey to quitting smoking has evolved from quitting cold turkey, to smoking patches, nicotine gum and today, electronic cigarettes. Also called, e-cigarettes or electronic nicotine delivery systems these battery-operated devices are designed to deliver flavored nicotine along with other chemicals to users in vapor form instead of smoke. Electronic cigarettes can be manufactured to look like traditional cigarettes, cigars or even everyday items such as pens or USB memory sticks. While e-cigarettes are being promoted as a safer alternative, in reality it’s just a diet cigarette and still potentially harmful as smoking old-fashioned cigarettes.

E-cigarettes are designed for the illusion of tobacco smoking by producing flavored aerosol that looks and feels like tobacco smoke and delivers nicotine, but with less of the toxic chemicals produced by burning tobacco leaves. Since they deliver nicotine without burning tobacco, e-cigarettes appear to be a safer and less toxic alternative to conventional cigarettes. Although they do not produce actual tobacco smoke, e-cigarettes still contain nicotine and other potentially harmful chemicals that still can lead to serious health consequences such as cancer and heart disease.

The liquid nicotine in e-cigarettes is highly concentrated and contains anywhere from six to 36 milligrams of nicotine per unit. In order to smoke an e-cigarette you have to refill the nicotine cartridges which requires direct exposure to liquid nicotine. Swallowing nicotine can cause vomiting, rapid heart rate, seizures and possibly death, depending on the amount and concentration. Nicotine can also be absorbed through the eyes, causing eye irritation.

Electronic cigarettes are still new and studies are still being conducted to determine their helpfulness in eliminating tobacco use among smokers. Some people believe e-cigarette products may help smokers lower nicotine cravings while they are trying to discontinue their tobacco use. However, at this point it is unclear whether e-cigarettes may be effective as smoking-cessation aids. There is also the possibility that they could perpetuate the nicotine addiction and thus interfere with quitting.

Cigarette smoking remains the leading preventable cause of sickness and mortality, responsible for hundreds of thousands of deaths in the United States each year. The journey to quit smoking can be difficult, but you do not have to do it alone. Jamaica Hospital’s smoking cessation team wants to help you develop a plan leading to your “quit day”. For more information on resources to quit smoking, please call 718-206-8494.

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What is a Brain Freeze?

Posted on May 27, 2016 by Michael Hinck

“SPHENOPALATINE GANGLIONEURALGIA!!!” We’re guessing you have never heard anyone yell that out after licking an ice cream cone or slurping down a frozen beverage. Perhaps you have heard someone scream “Brain Freeze” though, the more common term for this scientific condition.

A brain freeze usually occurs after a cold food or beverage touches the roof of the mouth (your palate). This sudden temperature change of the tissue stimulates nerves, causing rapid dilation and swelling of the blood vessels. This response is an attempt to direct blood to the area and warm it back up. The “headache” that follows is triggered when the pain receptors in your mouth signal your brain using the nerves in your face. The end result is a sudden, sharp pain and the usual exclamation that is synonymous with this phenomenon.

A brain freeze, also referred to as an ice cream headache, can last anywhere from a few seconds to a few minutes in duration. Brain freezes can occur as frequently in the summer as they do in the winter because the brain’s response is to the food being consumed, not to the temperature outside.

To avoid getting a brain freeze it is recommended that you eat slowly because this reaction is triggered by an immediate temperature change in the mouth. If you do suffer a brain freeze, try pressing your tongue against the roof of your mouth to warm the blood vessels. Other suggested tricks include holding your head back or breathing in through mouth and out through the nose to pass warmer air through the nasal passages.

With the weather getting warmer and more people indulging in ice cream and other frozen treats, expect to hear someone yelling out “Brain Freeze” soon. When they do, be sure to share your new found knowledge about this common sensation.